Many people find themselves unaware of the impact of what saying "You don't look autistic" creates. When people dismiss the way others go through life and the emotions they feel simply because they do not understand, it creates a feeling of isolation and neglect from general society. We can't see each other's brains; people shouldn't deny any experience someone is living just because it is different from their own. Yet, they do. Which is why having platforms that can reach thousands of people helps to build towards a society where everyone is understood and valued.

National Autistic Society has been campaigning to change the lives of those living with autism since 1962. Currently this charity has a campaign known as 'Not Enough' which demands better support and services for autistic people and their families across the country.

See full information on this topic HERE

There are 110 branches filled with volunteers across the UK, creating a sense of community all working towards a main goal, which is understanding the changes that need to be made throughout society to better support those on the Autism Spectrum.

In November 2009 the Autism Act was put in place, the act states that the government must have a strategy for improving services for autistic adults.

Some things the report calls for are to:

• Introduce specialist autism support in every council in England
• Immediately invest in social care services and secure long term sustainable funding
• Honour its commitment to launch a fully funded campaign to improve public understanding of autism

See the full information on the Autism Act HERE

So, what is autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that impacts communication and how day to day life is navigated. Those on the autism spectrum have difficulties with changes and can also experience emotional meltdowns and sensory overload. People with autism have a difficult time communicating and interacting with other people.

What is sensory overload?

This happens when one or more body senses experience over stimulation from the environment where someone is present.

What are meltdowns?

When someone temporarily loses behavioural control when overwhelmed by the environment they are in/situations they are facing.

In 1979 Lorna Wing and Judith Gould, with the research by Leo Kanner who found a larger group of children who had difficulties with social interaction, communication, and imagination, which became known as 'triad of impairments'. Although not used as much anymore some still refer to it.

What are the challenges of each triad of impairment?

Social Interaction:

• Feeling distressed if required to participate in group activities
• Inability to handle their own emotions and recognise others' emotions
• Little to no understanding of others facial expressions, body language and social cues
• Having difficulty developing relationships with others

Communication:

• Having difficulties in using and understanding verbal and non-verbal language
• limited or no speech
• Inappropriate or no variations in tone of voice

• Inability to initiate conversations

Imagination:

• Limited set of interests and activities
• Inability to generalise skills learnt in isolation

• Difficulty in thinking in abstract terms
• Inability to imagine situations that are not a part of daily routine

"I wish everyone would know that autistic people are no less than neurotypicals. They deserve love and respect and to be given the best chance possible for them to achieve what they want in life. Unity creates beauty and division creates destruction." – Sam (my friend)

As autism is on a spectrum, not everyone presents symptoms the same and therefore support needs also vary from person to person. However, this is still not fully understood by all. An area that lacks understanding is autism in girls and women.

More men and boys are currently being diagnosed with autism and not just because they are more likely to have it. There is a lack of understanding that surrounds women and girls when trying to get a diagnosis.

Overall, women and girls have a lack of support and information for getting diagnosed. Luckily, more and more people are starting to spread light on this issue and what causes it.

The National Autistic Society website has theories of why more men are diagnosed than women, those include:

• Women and girls are better at masking or camouflaging difficulties
• A range of biological and environmental factors may mean that men and boys have a higher prevalence of autism
• A 'female autism phenotype' – autistic females have characteristics which don't fit the profile

Dr Kate Fox an Autistic poet and comedian said, "I don't think there's an inherent difference between autistic men and women. What there is a difference in, is how society treats and socialises men and women."

For more information on this matter follow HERE

How does society impact those on the autism spectrum?

Society has always pressured and put people in boxes, leading to social isolation and stereotypes. One of the main aspects that needs to change and what we can all work towards changing, is to increase public understanding surrounding autism. For people to know the impacts and opportunities that are missed because of a lack of support. Other areas that the National Autistic Society pushes change is to get more rights for children and adults with autism all around the UK. An increase in equal opportunities, support at schools, better healthcare and an increase in diagnosis waiting times are also among the areas that need changing. Giving people an understanding so that they can take actions to help people with autism.

Some ways you can get involved are to:

• Volunteer
• Donate
• Become a member of the national autistic society
• Raise money

There is also a 'join the community' section for autistic people and their families

Don't worry if you can't get involved in the above ways, due to various reasons. The most important thing you can do is to remember to be patient and try your best at staying educated and educating those around you on autism and the way society impacts those living with it. Find out more HERE